Actress Kim Ji Won shared candid thoughts about her highly anticipated drama Doctor X, her personal philosophy on life, and the lessons she has learned throughout her career in a heartfelt interview for Marie Claire Korea’s June 2026 issue.
During the interview, Kim Ji Won discussed her upcoming role as Gye Soojung in Doctor X: The Age of the White Mafia, a drama set to premiere on October 9.
Describing the character, she revealed that what immediately drew her to the role was the unique feeling she carried.
“They say that even extremely cold temperatures can cause burns,” Kim explained. “Compared to a burn caused by heat, I felt that Gye Soojung carries the energy of a ‘cold burn.’ That was something I really wanted to portray.”
The actress also expressed excitement about working alongside actress Lee Jungeun, who plays Heesook in the series. Kim Ji Won described her co-star as someone overflowing with warmth and kindness, adding that her presence on set has made both the character and the filming experience even more colorful.
Doctor X has already become one of the most anticipated Korean dramas of the year, with director Lee Jungrim previously praising Kim Ji Won’s performance and presence as one of the key strengths of the project.
Reflecting on the director’s admiration, Kim Ji Won said receiving that level of trust feels like being protected by a strong safety net.
“Within that space, I can fully express my own interpretation of a character,” she shared. “Even if I fall, I gain the courage to try again.”
The Queen of Tears star admitted that every new project comes with a mix of fear and excitement. While she worries about doing well, she is equally motivated by the hope that audiences will enjoy and connect with her work.
Kim Ji Won also spoke about how acting continues to shape her perspective on life.
“Through experiencing different characters and situations, I’m exposed to new ways of thinking and my perspective on the world becomes broader,” she explained. “As I spend time trying to understand a character, new questions begin to unfold in my own life.”
When asked what she never wants to fail at, the actress offered one of the interview’s most memorable answers.
“I don’t want to fail at becoming someone who ultimately chooses goodness,” she said. “Even if I waver at times, I hope that in the end I remain within the boundaries of goodness.”
Looking back at the many characters she has portrayed, Kim Ji Won revealed that Yeom Mijeong from My Liberation Notes remains especially close to her heart.
She praised the character’s sincerity and thoughtful words, describing her as someone she deeply admires.
Away from acting, Kim Ji Won said she hopes to maintain peace and stability in her personal life. However, as an actress, she wants to fully embrace every emotion that comes her way.
“As Kim Ji Won the individual, I want peace of mind,” she said. “But as Kim Ji Won the actress, I find myself wanting to experience emotional highs and lows.”
The interview also touched on her partnership with luxury jewelry house Bvlgari. Kim Ji Won spoke warmly about the brand’s Eclettica High Jewelry collection, saying its fusion of art, architecture, and craftsmanship gives her a fresh sense of energy whenever she encounters it.
As she prepares for the premiere of Doctor X on October 9, Kim Ji Won appears ready for another major chapter in her career.
Fans quickly shared their excitement after excerpts from the interview were released online.
“Kim Ji Won is always so inspiring,” one fan wrote.
Another commented, “I can’t wait to watch Doctor X.”
